If you always wanted your very own street rod, but were intimidated by all the parts and patience needed to build your own, then P.C.W. Turnkeys is the place to, well, turn. Or, perhaps you have a muscle car that you want restored to its former glory. Let P.C.W. Turnkeys work its magic. Owned and operated by Perry Worthy of McConnellsburg, P.C.W. Turnkeys specializes in Kit Car Builds, custom restorations and fabrications and is a certified "StreetBeasts" Builder. "I'm one of only two certified builders in Pennsylvania listed on the StreetBeast website (www.streetbeasts.com)," said Worthy. "Someone looking to have a car kit they purchased from StreetBeasts built for them, or if they need someone to help them out with completing the project, can give me a call." StreetBeasts is a car kit company based in Miami, FL. According to the StreetBeasts site, a typical kit can take between 300-400 hours to complete with no major tools or welding required. However, the more tools and skill level you have, the quicker you can finish. Worthy can complete a kit in about three months from start to finish, without the final paint job. One of his completed projects, a red '34 Cabriolet Coupe convertible can be viewed on his website, www.pcwturnkeys.com. "It's scheduled to go to auction at a show in Atlantic City in February," said Worthy. He's hoping to get a good bid on the car at the next show. Last time, the reserve wasn't met when it was showcased on a Sunday afternoon. "This time, I have a prime early Saturday afternoon slot." In addition to the car kits, Worthy can help muscle car enthusiasts restore their vehicles to their original appearance. However, unlike the common restoration method of scouring junkyards for parts, Worthy prefers to put in all new stuff. "If you go to a junkyard for parts," explains Worthy, "then that's what you'll get: junk." With the car kit street rod clientele working the unique, personal style and the muscle car folks going for the accurate reproduction of the original look, both groups do share one thing in common: money. "Like everything else, it takes money," chuckles Worthy. "Either you want to put the money into the project or not." There lies the challenge of starting up a new venture and attracting customers willing to not only commit the money to their dream, but commit the job to dedicated car lovers like Worthy. "Making contacts is what it's all about," said Worthy. "Then all you can do is be honest when selling yourself and hope your work speaks for itself." Although the business has been open since January, Worthy has 25 years of experience working with automobiles. Previously, he worked at JLG for 29 years with car projects filling his free time. He got the addiction from his father growing up in Orbisonia. "My father was the ultimate 'motorhead'. He always had different cars to drive and I watched and helped out when I was little," remembered Worthy. One particular project stands out in his memory. After getting a '59 Ford Galaxy for Christmas from his father and working to get it on the road for the following summer, Worthy rolled the car into a ditch off a back road. "I thought I was going to be in a mountain of trouble," recalls Worthy. "I came back and told my Dad about it and we went out to take a look at it." After surveying the damage, the elder Worthy looked over and said: "Allright Perry, go get the hammer." "I'll never forget that, that was real fine of him," said Worthy, noting that the hammer was for the dents on the vehicle and not for his own backside. One of Worthy's play toys nowadays is a beautiful street rod identified by its Pepsi-Cola memorabilia paint job. It's the first street rod Worthy built from a fiberglass kit and is prominently displayed on his website. All in all, Worthy enjoys the work mostly because no two project are alike. He's looking to build his customer base and hopefully, someday employ four or five others. "Right now, some builders in Maryland are getting $55 per hour. I only charge $35 because I want the business and I enjoy the work," explained Worthy. So, if you want quality work at reasonable pricing, check out www.pcwturnkeys.com

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